Kudankulam nuclear plant resumes power generation after 7 months

CHENNAI: After a hiatus of seven months, the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tirunelveli district resumed power production in its first unit today.

"The first unit (1000 MW) has begun production by 8 am today, we have started generating about 300 MW and production will be stepped up in a phased manner in keeping with the norms," Project Director, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, K P Sundar told PTI.

He said during the next step, requisite processes that complement resumption of generation will be taken up. It includes carrying out checks on the turbine generator, and power generation will be increased in a staggered fashion.

"This is in keeping with the original schedule and according to norms."

In December last year, Jayalalithaa had urged the Centre to direct the NPCIL to recommence production in Kudankulam Unit-I early to meet the Tamil Nadu grid demand.

She made the request at the 26th Southern Zonal Council meet, chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at Vijayawada. Her speech was read out by State Finance Minister O Panneerselvam.